The Disabled Online Users Association (DOUA) was established as a way to bring technology to the differently-abled by means of support, resources, motivation, and whenever possible, financial assistance. The core of DOUA consists of both differently-abled and perfectly-abled folks who just want to "give something back" and/or to assist those with disabilities that would otherwise be considered shut-ins or that live at or below the poverty level. Our main focus is to assist people in becoming financially independent - a hand up, not a hand out. This is where Ebay comes into the picture.

It's all about a level playing field and that's what Ebay provides for us. We can work our own hours, at our own pace, as much or as little as we like. No one ever needs to know that we are differently-abled. The majority of us want to work - need to work - and love to work. It's just that we don't fit into the "mainstream" and sometimes employers are afraid to hire us. We're about people. It's always about the people. DOUA is here to help anyone who needs it. And we hope that anyone that can help, will jump right in and do so.

It has taken several years for DOUA to grow into its present format, and has a rather interesting story. Marjie Smith began selling with a partner on eBay in early 1997. By April of 1998, Marjie had her own eBay id and was selling on her own. Through her online work, Marjie realized there was a lack of resources and help for people with disabilities on the Internet. Not being one to sit by, Marjie decided to create a forum where people with disabilities could come together and share resources and tips on things like medications, wheelchairs and other tools for the disabled. Thus, Helping Hands was founded in 1998.

Marjie needed to learn more about web pages and hosting, so she did a search for web hosting by her zip code and found Michael at Abacus-Mall. She called Michael and asked if he did training and would he come to her home. He indeed did training, and would come to her home and charged $20.00 / hour with a 2 hour minimum. Thus a friendship was born.

Marjie's project was beginning to take on a life of its own. In 2001, Helping Hands became The Disabled Ebay Users Association (DEUA). As the organization continued to thrive, there were questions like: What if I am not on eBay? Can I still belong to your organization? Realizing that the name was implying a limitation, DEUA became The Disabled Online Users Association (DOUA) in late 2001. Thus, a new chapter was beginning.

Our organization has had many helpers and sites that loaned us space for our board and we would like to thank them. We started on Abacus-Mall, then went to Soupgirl. From there we went to ProBoards, AuctionEthics and on to ReadyBB. In 2003 DOUA gained non-profit status and in January of 2005 we finally built our permanent home. We are involved in many online communities and help wherever and whenever we can. Thus our organization continues to flourish and extend a helping hand to all people with disabilities.

Oh, by the way. Michael did come and train Marjie for 10 hours on his first visit. Funny thing though, he only charged her $20.00. Their friendship grew as the organization grew and in September of 2002, Michael and Marjie got married. Who knew?????

Helping Hand

The Disabled Online Users Association (DOUA) has established the Helping Hand Program to help disabled individuals achieve steps toward financial independence as online auction sellers.

"Our goal at DOUA is to help the differently-abled become self-sufficient and independent," says Marjie Smith, Founder and Executive Director of DOUA. "If you're disabled and would like to start your own online business, we can help."

Qualified participants, who include legally disabled persons already registered at www.eBay.com but who have not yet listed more than 5 auctions, may receive these materials and services:

• Five (5) products to list on eBay
• Available support from our Community Mentoring program.
• We also have "loaner" cameras and postage scales for those Students that wouldn't be able to begin any other way.

Marjie Smith
Founder, Executive Director
Email: contact@doua.org

Confined to a wheelchair by surgical complications 15 years ago, Marjie has found her niche on the Internet. She has sold through her website, eBay auctions and an eBay Store. She has made a home for herself and helped others, in similar circumstances, find a home online. She is currently devoting her time to running charity auctions, through eBay's GivingWorks Program, to benefit DOUA. The eBay User ID is Funds4DOUA.

Selling through Ebay since 1998, Marjie has also been very active in the online community. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Disabled Online Users Association (DOUA) ~ a network of able and disabled members learning and teaching how to sell on the Internet to earn a living.

Behind the Scenes